Thermal recorder having an analogue to digital converter

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for recording electrical signals on moving paper charts in which the magnitude of the electrical signal is translated into a digital number by an analog to a digital converter. The digital number acts through a group of switching elements to select and pass current through one of a plurality of small resistive elements diffused into a semiconducting material. This current causes the selected element to increase temperature to a value sufficient to cause an adjacent thermally sensitive paper to change its state and darken in the small area so heated, thus giving a record on the paper of the discrete position represented by the particular digital number and hence the magnitude of the original electrical signal.

A United States Patent 1191 Aiken June 4, 1974 THERMAL RECORDER HAVING AN ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL CONVERTER Primary Examiner-joseph W. Hartary Attorney. Agmu, r FirmCushman, Darby & Cushman [76] Inventor: Howard H. Aiken, ll l S. Ocean Dr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33316 2 Fl Se 14 1972 [57] ABSTRACT 2] An apparatus for recording electrical signals on mov- [21] Appl. N0.: 288,957 ing paper charts in which the magnitude of the electrical signal is translated into a digital number by an ana- 52 US. Cl. 346/35, 340/347 AD, 346/76 R g a The umber am through a group of switching elements to select and [51] Int. Cl. G0ld 5/12, GOld /l() pass current through one of a plurality of small resis [58] Field of Search 346/76 219/216 tive elements diffused into a semiconducting material. [56] References Cited This current causes the selected element to Increase temperature to a value suffic1ent to cause an ad acent UNITED STATES PATENTS thermally sensitive paper to change its state and 3,295,126 l2/l966 Spady 340/347 AD darken in the small area heated, thus giving a re- 313941383 346/32 cord on the paper of the discrete position represented $32322 3 32 92 by the particular digital number and hence the magniernseme 1 3515.850 6/l970 Cady 2l9/2l6 tude of the Ongmd' deemed 7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures I 7 310/744 4924) F M I r t IVl/MUF? f/nr-Pzopwwa 651 524 me ll-MEN PATENTEDJUN 4 I974 SHEET b 0F 7 ll'llllllllllllllllIIIIILIHIIIIU FIG- 7 PATENTEDJUN 4 I914 SHEET 6 [IF 7 THERMAL RECORDER HAVING AN ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL CONVERTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In prior art chart recorders a strip of paper is driven past a stylus which is moved in response to an electrical signal. The stylus marks the paper strip which is driven at a controlled speed by a clockwork gear mechanism and a constant-speed motor. Generally, the chart paper is preprinted with division lines perpendicular to the direction of travel to indicate equivalent time intervals. The marking stylus generally is moved perpendicularly to the direction of paper travel by a servomechanism or galvanometer movement in a manner such that the amount of its movement from a reference point is proportional to the magnitude of the electrical signal'used to stimulate the stylus movement. Generally, too, the chart paper is preprinted with other divisions, parallel to the paper motion, which provide a set of reference lines to indicate the magnitude of the electrical signal. Means must be provided to adjust the position of the stylus for one value of electrical signal to correspond to the reference point and for at least one other to calibrate the meter to thedivisions on the chart paper.

Ink filled and thermal styli are conventionally employed; ordinary paper can be used with the ink indication, while thermally sensitive paper is used with the thermalstylus.

In the first method, ink must flow in a controlled fashion to deposit marking on the paper strip; various means are employed to overcome the inherent limitations. The amount of ink which flows onto the paper is critical: there must be sufficient to mark a visible line and not enough to spread into a line wider than the stylus tip (which would result in reduced accuracy of the meter) or to produce blobs. The viscosity of the ink is thus critical, as well, and it must remain at its critical value over long periods of time. Disposable ink-filled cartridges are used but for many applications the mass and size of these devices are excessive. For these cases, ink is fed to the end of the stylus by means of a pump connecting a reservoir to the stylus end through very small tubing.

For the thermal stylus, the end contacting the paper contains a resistance element through which a current is passed which causes an increase in temperature of the resistive element, thus darkening the thermally sensitive paper. While the thermal stylus avoids some of the problems inherent with respect to an ink stylus'as discussed above, it still depends upon a servomechanism or a galvanometer movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS method and system for recording electrical signals on a moving thermally sensitive medium.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method and system for recording an electrical signal on a moving thermally sensitive medium in which the electrical signal is converted to a digital number, which digital number then selects a particular heat producing element in an array adjacent the thermally sensitive medium.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an improved analog to digital converter for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital number.

Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an input information signal which is converted to a digital number. The digital number is then utilized to energize one of an array of heat producing elements. The thus selected heat producing element causes an indication on an adjacent thermally sensitive medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram broadly illustrating the present invention. I

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a group of voltage or current dividers which form part of the means for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital number.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the overall means for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital number.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the Gray code triggers in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the gates of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram broadly illustrating the present invention. In a general sense the present invention is directed to a method and system in which input information of any arbitrary type 1 l is supplied to a digital number generator 12. The particular configuration of the digital number generator 12 depends upon what form of input information 11 is supplied. Thus, for example, if the input information 11 is an analog electrical signal the digital number generator 12 may be in the form of an analog to digital converter. In any event, the digital number generator 12 is adapted to generate a succession of digital numbers corresponding to and representing the input infonnation. An array of heat producing elements 13 is provided with a thermally sensitive medium 14 adjacent thereto. The thermally sensitive medium 14 is adapted to be moved past the array of heat producing elements 13, this being schematically indicated by the rollers 16 and 17 in FIG. 1.

In operation each of the successive digital numbers generated by the digital number generator 12 uniquely selects and energizes one of the plurality of heat producing elements in the array 13. The thus energized element produces heat which raises the temperature of that portion of the thermally sensitive medium 14 adjacent to that particular element at that particular time. This temperature rise causes apermanent indication, such as a darkening or color change, to appear on the thermally sensitive medium 14.

The velocity of the thermally sensitive medium 14 past the array of heat producing elements 13 can, of course, be variable if desired. Similarly, a plurality of arrays of heat producing elements can be disposed side by side perpendicular to the direction of travel of the thermally sensitive medium, with a plurality of heat producing elements being simultaneously energized. With appropriate logic circuitry for selecting the heat producing elements to be energized and appropriate circuitry for controlling the velocity of the thermally sensitive medium, virtually any desired kind of permanent indication can be produced on the thermally sensitive medium.

A system and method such as discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for recording electrical signals on moving paper such as in a chart recorder. As will be hereinafter described in accordance with this invention translation of an analog electrical signal into a digital form and then utilizing the digital form to select a heat producing element so that a record is formed on a sheet sensitive medium, can be accomplished in very short time intervals. The speed of response to an electrical signal is thus several orders of magnitude faster than conventional galvanometer type chart recorders. Moreover, since the basic recording system is essentially solid state as opposed to conventional electromechanical means, the reliability is quite high and will remain high over a prolonged period of time.

Turning now to a detailed discussion of one embodiment of a chart recorder in accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a group of voltage or current dividers 18 which form a part of means for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital number. An understanding of the total conversion means and method can best be obtained by first considering only that portion shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 A,-, B, and C are resistors in a circuit having 11 branches with s i 5 10. FIG. 2 only shows three of these branches for i equal to 10, 9 and 0 but it is to be understood that for this particular example 11 such branches are provided. Each of the eleven branches has an associated gate. Thus in FIG. 2 there is shown a gate 19 associated with the i branch, a gate 21 associated with the i 9 branch, and a gate 22 associated with the i 0 branch. Again, although only three gates are shown in FIG. 2 it is to be understood that there are eleven such gates, one for each of the circuit branches. Each of the gates has an input V,- and an input X The following generalized current and voltage equations can be written with respect to the ith branch:

l l i Ai l Bi (1) 2 I (4) l l) i i i l) m i Ci Combining equation (2) with equation (6) then gives LAIBI In equation (7) let V =S where S is the signal voltage tobe measured. This can be physically achieved through passing the signal voltage S which is present at an input terminal 23 through an inverter 24 as shown in FIG. 2. Also, let X l and let V V V V,-

V S,,, where S,,, is a voltage such that 0 S 24 S,,,. Summing equation (7) with these conditions over the interval i yields ell-1.1+ m, (7)

where K is a constant such that A,- B,-/A,-+B,- C,- K

9) That is, the values of the resistors A,-, B,- and C, in each of the eleven branches are such that K is independent of i.

Defining a variable p is as follows:

The quantities p, for each of the eleven branches are thus related to each other by powers of 2. Then equation (8) becomes Values for A B, and C, are then selected which satisfy equations (9), (10) and (l l Many sets of values for these resistances are possible. If the additional restriction, for example, is imposed that K 256 then an acceptable set of values for A B C, and p, are as given in the following table.

TABLE I I023 I022 I020 I016 I008 Next, let a selection means be provided (as will be hereinafter described) to choose the values of X 0 or I such that the following two equations are satisfied:

9 S Sm 2 X501 (13) The circuit of FIG. 2 then functions as an analog to digital converter for the input S with the values of X, for satisfying equations (12) and (13) being a digital binary number corresponding to the magnitude of the input S.

To illustrate the manner in which thecircuit of FIG. 2 operates, suppose that the input electrical signal S is equal to 0.8340 volts. If X through X inputs are 0, then the voltage E is negative. Next, if X 1 so that the associated gate 21 is closed, but X through X and 0, then p S 0.5000 0.8340 03340 (l4) so that E, is still negative. Next, taking X l with X-, through X still 0, then p p S 0.3340 0.2500 0.0840 15) so that E, is still negative. Next, taking X l with X through X still 0, then p p p S -0.0840 0.l250=0.0410 (16) so that E has now become positive. Hence, adding in the value of p has caused E to go past zero and become positive so that the digital binary equivalent of S 0.8340 does not include p 0.1250. This process is continued in stepwise fashion until finally p p p +P4+P2+P1* (11) and the conversion is completed. The digital representation of S 0.8340 is thus represented by the values of X through X necessary to cause E to be equal to zero which in accordance with equation (17) are 1101010110 where the first digit corresponds to X the second to X,,, the third to X and so forth.

Of course the circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is only adapted to digitallyconvert an input signal having a magnitude within a defined range. For example, the specific circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is adapted to digitally convert an input signal within the range 0 to approximately 0.999 volts. Different voltage ranges can, of course, be covered by changing the values of A,, B, and C Also, for example, a circuit could be provided similar to that of FIG. 2 but having less than or more than eleven branches, depending upon the number of binary digits desired in the generated digital number.

Turning now to 1 consideration of FIG. 3, there is shown in block diagram form the overall circuitry for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital number. FIG. 3 includes in block diagram form the group of voltage or current dividers 18 and the inverter 24 for inverting the input signal present at the terminal 23. In FIG. 3 a start switch 26'is provided which when closed puts a trigger 27 in the l-state thus closing a start of Gray code triggers 31.

The group of Gray code triggers 31 has ten outputs 0 labeled v through Z and v' through z. The group of Gray code triggers 31 cycles these outputs through 24 states defined by a suitable Gray code. The signals v through z and v' through 2' as they are cycled through an appropriate Gray code are translated by a group of gates 33 into 24 sequential outputs q through (1 These q through (1 pulses drive a group of triggers 34 which are used to control the analog to digital conversion process.

The even numbered q through (1 also form inputs to an OR gate 35. The output Q of the OR gate 35 closes and AND gate 36 which energizes a voltage threshold detector or a silicon controlled rectifier 37. The voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 receives as its input on a circuit 38 the signal E, which may be amplified by a suitable amplifier 39. The voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 remains cut off until its input signal, the amplified E exceeds a prescribed limit by a few microvolts. Thereafter, it conducts heavily until the power to it is interrupted. The output of the voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 on a circuit 41 is a signal e which is connected to the group of triggers 34.

In operation, the q pulse causes signal X to change to the l-state so that the input signal -S is applied to the group of voltage or current dividers 18. Next, the q, pulse changes the signal X to the l-state acting through the triggers 34. Output Q of the OR gate 34 is then changed to the l-state by the q pulse. This energizes the voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 which, as discussed before, receives its input from E, from amplification by amplifier 39. The q pulse is also applied to the triggers 34 as well as the e signal, which is the output of the voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37. If p of the group of voltage or current dividers 18 is less than the signal S, the E remains megative, and the voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 does not conduct so that its output e is zero. For this situation the signal X remains in the l-state. If, on the other hand, the p of the group of voltage or current dividers 18 is greater than the signal S, then B, becomes positive, voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 does conduct and its output e is positive. For this situation the triggers 34 in response to pulse q and pulse e reset the signal X to the 0-state. For either case, that is X l or 0, this same kind of setting and/or resetting of the X through X signals continues until pulses q and 1120 have established the appropriate value of signal X The thus established values of X through X define a digital binary number which corresponds to and represents the analog signal S.

After the values of X through X have been determined as discussed above, pulse q initiates printing and pulse q resets the group of triggers 34 in preparation for the next cycle. Pulse q is not used for anything. This action of the various pulses q through 1 is summarized in the following Table I1.

q Blank Referring to FIG. 3 again, a stop switch 42 is provided. After the start switch 26 is closed the trigger 27 is set to the l-state so that theAND gate 28 is on, allowing p pulses from the pulse generator 29 to be applied to the Gray code triggers 31. The Gray code triggers 31 cycle through twenty four states as discussed before and continue to cycle through these twenty four states until the stop switch 42 is closed. An AND gate 43 is provided having six inputs. These six inputs are respectively the stop switch 42, v, w, x, y and z. The values of v, w, x, y andz all equal to the l-state correspond to the first of the twenty four states of the Gray code triggers 31. The first time the Gray code triggers 31 reach this state after the stop switch 42 is closed, the trigger 27 is reset so that AND gate 28 is disabled and the p pulses to the Gray code triggers 31 are terminated.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown in detail the individual triggers within the Gray code triggers 31 of FIG. 3. The Gray code triggers 31 cycle the outputs v through 2 and v through z through 24 states in response to the inputs p and p in accordance with the following Table "I.

TABLE "I Cycle v w x y z p 0 o 0 0 o o o l 0 0 0 0 l l 2 0 0 a l l a 3 0 0 l l l l 4 0 0 l l o o 5 0 0 l 0 o l 6 u l l 0 0 u 7 0 l l l 0 l 8 0 l l l l 0 9 u l 0 l l l l() 0 l u n I o l l u l 0 o u I 12 l l 0 n 0 0 13 l l o o l l 14 l l o l l 0 l5 1 l l l l I l6 1 -l l l 0 0 I7 I l l 0 0 1 18 l o l 0 o 0 I9 I o l l o l 20 l o l l l 0 2l l a 0 l l l 22 l o 0 o l a 23 l o 0 a o I Table III is, of course, merely an example of a suitable Gray code. Any arrangement could be utilized for generating a cycle of twenty four states from a string of continuous input pulses. Reading from Table III, the gating functions required to pull the trigger 2 into the states 1 and 0, respectively, are

Z vw'x' yp vw x y p v w xyp v w xyp' (18) Z, v'wx y p vw x'y'p v w x y p v wx'y'p (19) Similarly;

Y v'w'xz p vw x zp v w x: p v w'x (2 y vw'x zp vw x'z p v w x z'p v w'x zp 21) X =v'wyzp+vwyzp (22) X =v'wyzp+vw'yzp (23) ylzlpl W, v x yzp' (25) vl wxlylzlpl vo wlxlylzlpl (27) If a quantity x is defined where vat=wx +wx (28) then equations (18) through (27) can be simplified to read as follows:

r= y'p y Z =xyp'a+xypa (30) Y =xzpa+xz'pa (31 Y =xz'pa+xzp (32) 1 y 2 Pa (33) 0 y z p (34) W, v'x yzp (35) W, v x y'zp (36) V w xyz'p' (3 Vo wlxlylzlpl The circuitry shown in FIG. 4 is an implementation of equations (28) through (38). For the sake of clarity, rather than show all the various internal connections within the Gray code triggers 31, the various inputs and outputs of each of the circuit elements have been labeled. Thus in FIG. 4 the circuitry for generating the quantity a of equation (28) includes an AND gate 44 having inputs of v and w and an AND gate 46 having inputs of v and w. The outputs of AND gates 44 and 46 are inputs to an OR gate 47, the output of which is the desired quantity 0:. An inverter 48 is also provided for generating the quantity a from the quantity a. A z trigger 49 is provided having a transfer to 1- state input on circuit 51 from OR gate 52 and a transfer to 0- state input on circuit 53 from OR gate 54. The Z trigger 49 also has outputs of z on circuit 56 and z on circuit 57. The OR gate 52 has an input on circuit 58 from AND gate 59 and an input on circuit 61 from AND gate 62. The inputs to AND gate 58 are the quantities in the first term of equation (29), i.e., x, y, p and a; and the inputs to AND gate 62 are the quantities in the second term of equation (29), i.e., x, y, p and a. In a similar fashion the OR gate 54 has inputs on circuit 63 from an AND gate 64 and on circuit 66 from an AND gate 67. The inputs to AND gate 64 are then the quantities in the first term of equation (30) and-the inputs to AND gate 67 are the quantities in the second term of equation (30).

Equations (31) through (38) are implemented in a similar fashion. Thus a y trigger 68 is provided having a transfer to 1- state input on circuit 69, a transfer to state input on circuit 71, as well as y' and y outputs on circuits 72 and 73, respectively. Two AND gates 74 and 76 and an OR gate 77are provided for implementing equation (31 and two AND gates 78 and 79 and an OR gate 81 are provided for implementing equation (32).

Likewise, an X trigger 82 is provided having a transfer to l-state input on circuit 83, a transfer to 0- state input on circuit 84, as well as x and x outputs on circuits 86 and 87, respectively. An AND gate 88 is provided for implementing equation (33) and an AND gate 89 is provided for implementing equation (34).

A w trigger 91 is also provided having a transfer to 1- state input on a circuit 92, a transfer to 0- state input on a circuit 93, as well as w' and w outputs on circuits 94 and 96, respectively. An AND gate 97 is provided for implementing equation (35) and an AND gate 98 is provided for implementing equation (36).

Finally, a v trigger 99 is provided having a transfer to 1 state inputon circuit 101, a transfer to 0- state input on circuit 102, as well as v and v outputs on circuits 103 and 104, respectively. An AND gate 106 is provided for implementing equation (37) and an AND gate 107 is provided for implementing equation (38).

Turning now to a consideration of FIG. 5, there is shown portions of the circuitry of the gates 33, indicating how the v,v, w,w, x,x, y,y', z, and z outputs of the Gray code triggers 31 are used to generate the pulses q through q in accordance with the following equa- Gates 33 include twenty four separate AND gates, with the outputs of these AND gates corresponding to the signals q through q respectively. Only three of these AND gates are specifically illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus AND gate 108 has an output (1 and five inputs v', w, x, y' and z, all in accordance with equation (39). Similarly, AND gate 109 has an output q, and five inputs v, w, x, y' and z, all in accordance with equation (40). Gates (not shown) are also provided havingoutputs q through and having inputs in accordance with equations (41 through (61 FIG. 5 does illustrate an AND gatelll having q as its output and having five inputs v, w, x, y and z in accordance with equation (and).

Turning now to a consideration of FIG. 6, there is shown in some detail the logic elements in the triggers 34 of FIG. 3. An x trigger 112 is provided which has a transfer to l-state input on circuit 113 and a transfer to 0-state input on circuit 114, as well as an x output on circuit 116. The pulse q is applied to circuit 113 for setting x trigger 112 to the l-state so that x l. The q pulse as well as the pulse e form inputs to an AND gate 1 17. The e pulse or signal is derived from the voltage threshold detector or silicon controlled rectifier 37 discussed before in connection with FIG. 3. The output of AND gate 117 on circuit 118 is coupled through an OR gate 119 to the circuit 114 at the transfer to O-state input of x trigger 112. Thus if the e signal exists at the same time pulse q is applied, the trigger 112 is reset to the 0-state. A reset circuit 121 also forms an input to the OR gate 119 so that application of pulse q also resets trigger 112 to the O-state.

Identical circuitry is provided for generating the signals x through x Only two such other circuits, those for x and x are shown in FIG. 6. Thus an x, trigger 122 is provided with an associated AND gate 123 and OR gate 124 connected as shown in a fashion identical to that of the trigger circuitry for x,, discussed above. Pulse q thus sets trigger 122 to the l-state and the simultaneous presence of pulse q and pulse e (or the reset pulse q resets trigger 122 to the 0-state. Likewise, an x trigger 126 is provided with an associated AND gate 127 and an OR gate 128. Pulse q sets trigger 126 to the l-state and the simultaneous presence of pulse q and pulse e (or the reset pulse q resets trigger 126 to the 0-state.

Thus what has been described thus far is circuitry for converting an analog electrical signal S into a ten digit binary digital number represented by the values of X through X Utilizing the principles and circuits discussed obviously the signal S could be converted into a digital number having fewer or greater than ten digits. What will now be discussed is the apparatus and method for utilizing the thus generated digital number to make a record on a thermally sensitive medium. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a top plan view in schematic fashion of an array of heat-producing elements. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention there is provided a substrate 129 which may be ccramic, for example, and which has a plurality of integrated circuits generally indicated by reference numeral 131 mounted thereon in adjacent relationship to one another. In this one embodiment 1,024 printing positions are provided with there being provided 32 of the individual integrated circuits C 1, C2, C3, etc., and with each of the individual integrated circuits having 32 resistor-diode combinations, each of which define a printing position as more fullydiscussed hereinafter. The substrate 129 is suitably mounted so that a thermally sensitive medium, such as thermally sensitive paper, is driven by means such as a synchronous motor to touch these printing positions at constant speed. Printing positions may be formed by means other than integrated circuits on a ceramic substrate. For example, tantalum resistors might be deposited on a substrate or other known means of forming resistors on a substrate can be utilized.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one of the integrated circuits of FIG. 7 and illustrating a portion of the resistor diode combinations thereon. Thus, for example, the integrated circuit C1 has thirty two resistor diode combinations RD 1 through RD 32. All thirty two resistor diode combinations are connected at one end to a common electrode 132 and are connected at their other ends to individual electrodes. Thus in FIG. 8 resistor diode combination RD 1 is connected to electrode 133, RD 2 is connected to electrode 134, RD 3 is connected to electrode 135 and so on with RD 32 being connected to electrode 136. Each of the electrodes 133, 134, 135, etc. are respectively connected to circuits shown schematically in FIG. 8 and labeled S1, S2, etc., through S32. As further shown in FIG. 8, the common electrode 132 is connected to a circuit shown schematically and labeled SC1.

Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a top plan view of the resistor diode combination RD 2 of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the resistor diode combination RD 2 includes a diode 137 and a resistor 138 formed in the ntype substrate 139. The diode 137 comprises a pbed diffusion 141 into which are diffused or otherwise suitably formed p+ areas 142 and 143 and n+ area 144. The p+ areas 142 and 143 serve as the anode, for example, of diode 137 and are contacted by metallization 134a and l34b which are extensions of the electrode 134. The n+ area 144 then serves as the cathode of diode 137 and is contacted by metallization 146. The resistor 138 includes a resistive element parea 147 with adjacent conductive strip p+ areas 148 and 149.

Conductive strip p+ area 148 is connected to the anode of diode 137 by metallization 146 and conductive strip p+ area 149 is connected to common electrode 132 by metallization 151.

Current is conducted through the resistor diode combination RD 2 in response to a voltage applied between common electrode 132 and electrode 134. Such current causes the resistive element parea 147 to generate heat, thus rising in temperature. Such temperature rise serves to darken the portion of thermally sensitive paper adjacent parea 147 at that time. FIG. 9 also shows a groove 152 etched into the substrate 139 adjacent resistor 138. Such grooves can be provided between all the resistive elements on a particular substrate in order to localize rises in temperature; that is, to provide a longer thermal path through the substrate between adjacent resistive elements so that a temperature rise of one such resistive element is not communicated to adjacent resistive elements. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention, each of the resistive element p-areas are approximately 0.005 inches square and are located on 0.010 inches centers. There are thuslOO heat producing spots per inch, resulting in a high resolution indication of an incoming signal S on a thermally sensitive medium. In the specific embodiment discussed herein there are a total of 1,024 such heat producing spots. I

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of portions of the integrated circuits of FIG. 7, illustrating electrical connections to the integrated circuits along with some of the logic circuitry for selecting and energizing one of the resistor-diode heat producing elements therein. Each of the integrated circuits has 33 electrical connections thereto. An individual one of the integrated circuits C1 through C32 is selected by a signal on one of their respective inputs SC1 through SC32. Thus integrated circuit Cl is selected by a signal SC1 on a circuit 153, integrated circuit C2 is selected by a signal SC2 on a circuit 154 and so on, with integrated circuit C32 being selected by a signal SC32 on a circuit 156. The signals SC1, SC2, etc., are applied to the electrode common to all the resistor diode combinations within the respective integrated circuits. Each of the circuits 153, 154, etc., over which the signals SC1 through SC32 are applied to the integrated circuits is the output of a logical AND gate. Thus in FIG. 10 an AND gate 157 is shown having SC1 as its output, an AND gate 158 having SC2 as its output, and an AND gate 159 having SC32 as its output. Although only these three AND gates are shown in FIG. 10, it should be understood that there are thirty two such AND gates, one for each of the integrated circuits C1 through C32. Each of the AND gates has five inputs, with these five inputs being selected from among the X through X and X through X outputs of the triggers shown in FIG. 6.

Thus signal SC1 is applied to integrated circuit C1 when the inputs to AND gate 157, which are X X X X and X are all equal to a logical l-value. This corresponds to a five digit binary number generated by the circuitry of FIG. 2 for the X through X digits of 00000. Succeeding AND gates for applying signals SC2 through SC32 to integrated circuits C1 through C32 are selected by succeeding values of X through X,, with each of the binary numbers thus represented being increased in count by one over the previous number. Thus signal SC2 is applied to integrated circuit C2 when the signals X X X X,,' and X are all equal to a logical I value. This corresponds to a binary number of 10000. Signal SC3 is applied to integrated circuit C3 in response to X X X X and X all equal to 1- value, corresponding to a binary number of 01000. This same sequence continues with signal SC32 being applied to integrated circuit C32 in response to X X X X and X all equal to I value, corresponding to a binary l I l l l. Thus in this manner the values of X through X are used to select one of the 32 integrated circuits Cl through C32.

Each of the integrated circuits C 1 through C32 also has thirty two other terminals over which, signals S1, S2, etc., through S32 are applied. These signals serve to select a particular one of the thirty two resistor diode combinations on an integrated circuit. As shown in FIG. 10, there is provided a circuit 161 for applying S1 to all the integrated circuits, a circuit 162 for applying S2 to all the integrated circuits, a circuit 163 for applying S3 to all integrated circuits, and so on through a circuit 164 for applying S32 to all the integrated circuits. Each of the signals Sl through S32 is the output of a logical AND gate. As shown in FIG. 10, the signals S1, S2, S3 and S32 are the outputs of AND gates 166, 167, 168 and l69, respectively. Although only these four AND gates are shown, it should be understood that there are thirty two such AND gates, one for each of the signals Sl through S32. Each of these AND gates has five inputs which are selected from the signals X through X and X through X, of the circuitry of FIG. 6. The AND gate 166 has inputs of X X X X and X so that signal S1 is applied to the integrated circuits when the values of X through X, as determined by the circuitry of FIG. 2 correspond to a binary 00000. Signal S2 is applied when the values of X through X correspond to a binary 10000; S3 is applied when the values of X through X correspond to a binary 01000 and so on until S32 is applied when the values of X through X correspond to a binary 11111. The AND gates for selecting S1 through S32 all also have a PRINT input, which is the pulse q generated by the gates of FIG. 5.

Thus by the selection process described, a particular voltage input selects one resistive element among the array of 1,024, with the particular resistive element being selected by the digital number corresponding to the values of X through X The selected resistive element is energized on a PRINT command to cause a darkening of adjacent thermally sensitive record means. By reason of the particular spot position on the record means corresponding to the particular spot formed, an indication is presented representing the magnitude of the voltage presented to the meter.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it should be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, for example, input formation other than an analog electrical signal can be recorded on a thermally sensitive medium by representing the information, whatever it is, in digital form and utilizing the digital representation to select one of the plurality of heat producing elements. It is also contemplated, for example, that analog to digital conversion schemes and circuits other than the improved circuit disclosed herein can be used without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A system for recording input information in the form of an analog voltage upon a thermally sensitive record medium comprising means for converting the input information into a multiple digit digital number, a printing unit comprising an array of a plurality of individually energizable heat-producing elements, means for positioning the thermally sensitive record medium adjacent to and in cooperative relationship with said array of heat-producing elements, means responsive to said multiple digit digital number for energizing a selected one of said heat-producing elements to form an indication on the thermally sensitive record medium, wherein said means for converting the analog input voltage into a multiple digital number comprises an analog to digital converter including an array of voltage or current divider networks, means for coupling the analog input voltage to said array of voltage or current divider networks whereby said voltage or current divider networks generate a plurality of trial voltages of a polarity opposite to that of the signal voltage and being related in magnitude to one another in a predetermined fashion, addition means for adding said trial voltages one at a time in decreasing order of magnitude to said signal voltage to form cumulative sum voltages at each addition step, polarity sensing means for determining at each addition step the polarity of said cumulative sum voltage, digit generating means for generating a logical 1 if the cumulative sum voltage after a particular addition step is of one polarity and generating a logical 0 if said cumulative sum voltage after that particular addition step is of a polarity opposite to said one polarity, means responsive to the generation of said logical l to continue adding that particular trial voltage to said cumulative sum voltage at succeeding addition steps, whereby each addition step generates one digit of a digital number corresponding to the magnitude of the analog voltage.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnitudes of said trial voltages are related to each other inaccordance with integer powers of 2.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for energizinga selected one of said heat-producing elements comprises a plurality of logic means having a plurality of outputs respectively connected to selected of said heat-producing elements, said plurality of logic meanshaving logical inputs correspondingto selected digits of said multiple digit digital number whereby a particularheat-producing element is energized for each possible particular value of said multiple digit digital number.

4. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said array of heat-producing elements comprises a substrate having at least one integrated circuit mounted thereon, said integrated circuit having a plurality of resistive elements formed therein, said resistive elements being individually energizable by current passed therethrough in accordance with the input information for producing an indication on the thermally sensitive medium.

5. A system for recording input information upon a thermally sensitive record medium comprising means for converting the input infonnation into a multiple digit digital number, a printing unit comprising an array of a plurality of individually energizable heatproducing elements, means for positioning the thermally sensitive record medium adjacent to and in cooperative relationship with said array of heat-producing.

elements, means responsive to said multiple digit digital number for energizing a selected one of said heatproducing elements to form an indication on the thermally sensitive record medium, said input information being an analog electrical signal and said means for converting the input information into a multiple digit digital number comprising an analog to digital converter including voltage generating means for generating a plurality of trial voltages of a polarity opposite to that of the signal voltage and being related in magnitude to one another in a predetermined fashion, addition means for adding said trial voltages one at a time in decreasing order of magnitude to said signal voltage to form cumulative sum voltages at each addition step, polarity sensing means for determining at each addition step the polarity of said cumulative sum voltage, digit generating means for generating a logical 1 if the cumulative sum voltage after a particular addition step is of one polarity and generating a logical 0 if said cumulative sum voltage after that particular addition step is of a polarity opposite to said one polarity, means responsive to the generation of said logical l to continue adding that particular trial voltage to said cumulative sum voltage at succeeding addition steps, whereby each addition step generates one digit of a digital number corresponding to the magnitude of the signal voltage, the magnitudes of said trial voltages being related to each other in accordance with integer powers of two, and wherein said addition means comprises a plurality of voltage dividers connected in parallel with each other and with the signal voltage to form a parallel circuit, a load resistor, said parallel circuit connected in series with said load resistor whereby said cumulative sum voltage appears across said load resistor, a gate associated with each of said voltage dividersand having a logical gating input, voltage source means associated with each of said gates and adapted to energize said associated voltage divider in response to a logical 1 input on said logical gating input.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said polarity sensing means comprises a voltage threshold detector coupled across said load resistor, said voltage threshold detector conducting and generating a polarity change pulse in response to a cumulative sum voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity.

7. The system of'claim 6 wherein said digit generating means comprises a plurality of triggers, one for each of said voltage dividers, each of said triggers having a logical output coupled to the logical gating input of the gate of one of said voltage dividers, each of said triggers also having a reset change to 0-state input and a set change to l-state input, means for successively setting each of the triggers to the l-state and then resetting said trigger to the O-state if and only if said polarity change pulse is generated by said polarity sensing means.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,815,144 Dated 6/04/74 Inventor (s) AIKEN Howard H It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, line 48: In gate l9 the "19 should be bold faced.

Column 4, lines 25,26: The expression o S 24S should read "O 5 SS Column 5, line 60: the bold "I" should be an "a".

Column 8, line 5: In the last term of equation (18) the term which now reads vw'xy'p' should read Column 8, line 12: In the last term of equation (21) the term which now reads vw'x'z'p should read PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 003764 09 u s. novnuucu "mum onlcr nu o-uo-an UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3r815rl44 Dated 6/04/74 Inventor AIKEN Howard H It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

(Continuation of correction in Column 8, line 12) vw'x'zp' (Equation 21) Column 10, line 40: (and) should read (62) Signed and sealed this lst day of April 1975.

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1. A system for recording input information in the form of an analog voltage upon a thermally sensitive record medium comprising means for converting the input information into a multiple digit digital number, a printing unit comprising an array of a plurality of individually energizable heat-producing elements, means for positioning the thermally sensitive record medium adjacent to and in cooperative relationship with said array of heat-producing elements, means responsive to said multiple digit digital number for energizing a selected one of said heat-producing elements to form an indication on the thermally sensitive record medium, wherein said means for converting the analog input voltage into a multiple digital number comprises an analog to digital converter including an array of voltage or current divider netwoRks, means for coupling the analog input voltage to said array of voltage or current divider networks whereby said voltage or current divider networks generate a plurality of trial voltages of a polarity opposite to that of the signal voltage and being related in magnitude to one another in a predetermined fashion, addition means for adding said trial voltages one at a time in decreasing order of magnitude to said signal voltage to form cumulative sum voltages at each addition step, polarity sensing means for determining at each addition step the polarity of said cumulative sum voltage, digit generating means for generating a logical 1 if the cumulative sum voltage after a particular addition step is of one polarity and generating a logical 0 if said cumulative sum voltage after that particular addition step is of a polarity opposite to said one polarity, means responsive to the generation of said logical 1 to continue adding that particular trial voltage to said cumulative sum voltage at succeeding addition steps, whereby each addition step generates one digit of a digital number corresponding to the magnitude of the analog voltage.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnitudes of said trial voltages are related to each other in accordance with integer powers of
 2. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for energizing a selected one of said heat-producing elements comprises a plurality of logic means having a plurality of outputs respectively connected to selected of said heat-producing elements, said plurality of logic means having logical inputs corresponding to selected digits of said multiple digit digital number whereby a particular heat-producing element is energized for each possible particular value of said multiple digit digital number.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said array of heat-producing elements comprises a substrate having at least one integrated circuit mounted thereon, said integrated circuit having a plurality of resistive elements formed therein, said resistive elements being individually energizable by current passed therethrough in accordance with the input information for producing an indication on the thermally sensitive medium.
 5. A system for recording input information upon a thermally sensitive record medium comprising means for converting the input information into a multiple digit digital number, a printing unit comprising an array of a plurality of individually energizable heat-producing elements, means for positioning the thermally sensitive record medium adjacent to and in cooperative relationship with said array of heat-producing elements, means responsive to said multiple digit digital number for energizing a selected one of said heat-producing elements to form an indication on the thermally sensitive record medium, said input information being an analog electrical signal and said means for converting the input information into a multiple digit digital number comprising an analog to digital converter including voltage generating means for generating a plurality of trial voltages of a polarity opposite to that of the signal voltage and being related in magnitude to one another in a predetermined fashion, addition means for adding said trial voltages one at a time in decreasing order of magnitude to said signal voltage to form cumulative sum voltages at each addition step, polarity sensing means for determining at each addition step the polarity of said cumulative sum voltage, digit generating means for generating a logical 1 if the cumulative sum voltage after a particular addition step is of one polarity and generating a logical 0 if said cumulative sum voltage after that particular addition step is of a polarity opposite to said one polarity, means responsive to the generation of said logical 1 to continue adding that particular trial voltage to said cumulative sum voltage at succeeding addition steps, whereby each addition step generates one digit of a digital number correSponding to the magnitude of the signal voltage, the magnitudes of said trial voltages being related to each other in accordance with integer powers of two, and wherein said addition means comprises a plurality of voltage dividers connected in parallel with each other and with the signal voltage to form a parallel circuit, a load resistor, said parallel circuit connected in series with said load resistor whereby said cumulative sum voltage appears across said load resistor, a gate associated with each of said voltage dividers and having a logical gating input, voltage source means associated with each of said gates and adapted to energize said associated voltage divider in response to a logical 1 input on said logical gating input.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said polarity sensing means comprises a voltage threshold detector coupled across said load resistor, said voltage threshold detector conducting and generating a polarity change pulse in response to a cumulative sum voltage of a polarity opposite to said one polarity.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said digit generating means comprises a plurality of triggers, one for each of said voltage dividers, each of said triggers having a logical output coupled to the logical gating input of the gate of one of said voltage dividers, each of said triggers also having a reset change to 0-state input and a set change to 1-state input, means for successively setting each of the triggers to the 1-state and then resetting said trigger to the 0-state if and only if said polarity change pulse is generated by said polarity sensing means. 